UN Food Waste Index report also finds global food wastage is big contributor to climate crisis
Activists in Berlin, Germany, block a highway to protest against food waste and for agricultural change to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Activists in Berlin, Germany, block a highway to protest against food waste and for agricultural change to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.About a fifth of food is wasted, sometimes through profligacy or poor planning, sometimes from a lack of access to refrigeration or storage, according to the– about 60% of the 1bn tonnes of food thrown away annually.
Inger Andersen, the executive director of the UN Environment Programme, which wrote the report in conjunction with the UK’s Waste and Resources Action Programme , described food waste as “a global tragedy”, and contrasted this with the fact that a third of people face food insecurity, unsure of where their future meals will come from.Andersen said: “Millions will go hungry today as food is wasted across the world.
The UN now has reliable data from more than 100 countries, which has enabled researchers to say with certainty that food waste is a global problem, afflicting developing countries as well as the. More food appears to be thrown away in hot countries, perhaps reflecting the shorter time it takes for food to spoil in higher temperatures, a lack of access to refrigeration and higher consumption of fresh food with more inedible parts.
Harriet Lamb, the chief executive of Wrap, called for countries to take action. “We need greater coordinated action across continents and supply chains,. Whether philanthropic, business or governmental, actors must rally behind programmes addressing the enormous impact wasting food has on food security, our climate and our wallets.”. But in some countries, including the UK, Australia, Indonesia, Mexico and South Africa, food waste has been cut substantially since 2007.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Farmers and Supermarkets Power Imbalance Causes Food Oversupply and WastePeak vegetable grower group AUSVEG highlights the power imbalance between farmers and supermarkets, leading to an oversupply of food and millions of tonnes of waste. Farmers are entering into non-binding agreements, and strict quality controls result in good food being wasted. The Senate inquiry on supermarket prices is examining this issue, along with other inquiries on grocery prices and supermarket practices. Australia's supermarket duopoly may exacerbate the waste problem.
Read more »
Tasmanian dumpster divers tell supermarket prices inquiry about 'massive' food wasteThe Senate inquiry into supermarket prices hears from people who forage for food in bins and from a farmer who says the major supermarkets' quality guidelines are 'almost impossible' to meet.
Read more »
CQUniversity food waste feeding farmed crocodiles in Queensland as hatchlings emerge in their hundredsHundreds more crocodiles have just arrived in Queensland, but don't worry. They're still too small to cause you much grief.
Read more »
‘What a waste’: ‘Vanilla’ Crows under fire amid call for ‘magic makers’ shake-upAFL: Leigh Montagna believes if Bombers forward Peter Wright is given four weeks for his hit on Harry Cunningham, players will start to pull out of 50/50 contests.
Read more »
The young Australians waging war on waste at music festivalsVolunteering, recycling and education are just some of the ways music-loving young people are working to reduce the shocking amount of waste generated at music festivalss.
Read more »